The most effective way to shake off wedding stress buildup and de-strain your relationships with your parents, bridal party members, your groom and your vendors as the wedding planning moves along is to take regular Gratitude Breaks.

Instead of focusing on how much planning you have to do, or the things that aren't going your way, parental 'requests' and bridesmaid complaints, focus on how much is going WELL. It's amazing how quickly we forget how awesome it was when we found the perfect site, or when we tried on the most gorgeous dress.

The bad stuff is louder.

So grab some paper or your journal and list out the many things you're grateful for...starting with the man you're marrying and the ways he shows you he loves you. Even when you're cranky. List out what your parents are making possible with their contributions, whatever they might be. List out the little favors and good wishes from others. The vendor who threw in a freebie. The happy note from your long-distance friends who are going to be able to come to the wedding.

It can sometimes take some effort to remind yourself that things are going well, which is what a Gratitude journal is for. So start taking notes, and flip through whenever you need a boost.

And for fun, have your groom write down entries in your gratitude journal as well. It's always fun to see things through his eyes, to read about the tiniest thing he noticed, and how much gratitude he has for you.